The proof lies in this year’s Green Bay Packers, who will take on Pittsburgh in the Super Bowl despite the fact the Packers placed 15 players on season-ending injured reserve at various points of the year.

Included in that list were standouts like running back Ryan Grant (lost in the first game of the season); tight end Jermichael Finley (lost in the fifth game); starting tackle Mark Tauscher (lost in the fourth game); starting linebackers Nick Barnett and Brad Jones (lost lost in the fourth and six games, respectively) and starting safety Morgan Burnett (lost in the fourth game).

Despite those injury casualties and more, the Packers never lost more than two straight games, suffered only six losses by a total of 20 points and won three road playoff contests.

For comparison’s sake, the Titans placed 12 players on injured reserve, but three of those players – running back Stafon Johnson, as well as defensive linemen Kareem Brown and Marcus Howard – weren’t guaranteed roster spots anyway.

Quarterback Vince Young (lost in the 10th game), defensive tackle Tony Brown (lost in the 13th game) and rookie defensive end Derrick Morgan (lost in the fourth game) were the most significant players placed on injured reserve. Others were center Eugene Amano and defensive end Dave Ball, who both missed the final three games of the year.

Injuries certainly weren’t the only difference between a team like the Packers and one like the Titans. Green Bay has an All-Pro quarterback in Aaron Rodgers, and that alone cures a lot of problems.

But the Packers do illustrate how quality depth can help carry a team through a long season.